Can any LUL SA/CSA answer this question.

Strictly speaking, the correct whistle code to call the attention of station staff is 1 long blast, so the 5 or 6 second blast you eventually gave was the correct option.

Pop whistles need only be used when carrying out a wrong direction move, or entering a station/blind spot when traction current has been discharged.

I must admit I forgot to mention that I did use one long blast of the whistle using the 'soft' option. This was after giving 3 pop whistles. Either way, he didn't move one inch from where he was standing at any point (even after the long blast - both soft and loud)

Unfortunately, you didn't answer my original question. Firstly, I assume that you're an SA. Also, were you taught that or is it something that you just picked up with experience?

No I'm a driver, I wasn't trying to answer your question, just pointing out the official position WRT using the whistle to call station staff. Sorry for any confusion!

You're right!

3 short - driver requires guard to apply brake (for brake test)

3 long - driver requires guard to rejoin train

I guess these two aren't used too often these days!

To give some form of answer to the OP, no they not properly trained these days.

8 and a bit years ago, when I did the training, it was a 4 week course and covered every operating procedure on the railway plus revenue stuff in relation to the gate line and customer operated ticket machines. Customer service skills were learned once out on your allocated station(s).

The situation today is the complete opposite.

The CSA course was reduced to 2 weeks but I'm led to believe it has now gone back to 4 weeks. Since it went to 2 weeks, and even today, the CSA's only spend something like 3 days on railway stuff (limited to simple things like 'don't go near the track as it's dangerous', 'trains are the red white and blue things that appear periodically and customers use them to travel from A to B', red lights are bad but green ones are good, etc. They really get just the simple basics.

The rest of the CSA course is customer service, customer service and customer service. Yes the subject is important to the role, but so are the railway's operating procedures - it's not nice to know but need to know!!

CSA's are now expected to learn all this stuff when they get to their allocated station(s) - all well and good if you get the right one.

The CSA grade is also the feeder to all other grades - shame the company doesn't seem to appreciate this blindingly obvious fact

i am a CSA have been for almost 3 years now i work on a jubilee line station with peds when we are maning the platform which is every hour during passenger service we man the platforms due to peds if a train is on the platform for more than theaverage time and i hear a whislte i head straight to the headwall asap as it is not the norm for a train to toot the horn and assist the train op.
when i worked at kings cross recently a victoria line train tooted the horn on the opposite platform just brieffly i walked quickly to see if the driver was ok he replied "i only tooted because i felt like it. some drivers abuse the horn but when u do require attention from us station staff do it the correct way majority of us good staff will gladly come assist you drivers

What about using the 'Connect' radio as not everybody has a good understanding of whistle codes. CSA grades are not taught the whistles to be sounded during certain operational procedures. This is done from SS grade only. However one long blast should be enough to summon a member of staff (provided one is available in the first place).

Select the talk group for the station you are currently in, and call for station staff assistance over the radio. Failing this just call the Line Controller and request assistance. Isn't that what 'Connect' is all about?

Connect is supposed to be all singing and dancing - it's actually anything but that.

Drivers have not been shown how to select a station group (AFAIK cos I certainly haven't) - I do know how to do it though (self taught by pressing the buttons to see what happens ;D ;D) and it's a lot of faffing around with the cab based unit; impossible to do though if the controller is constantly broadcasting general messages as that stops whatever you are trying to do.

The hand held's are meant to be off (or on with the volume turned down) whilst in the cab - ask any driver and I'm quite certain they'll empty half their bag before they can find it, if they carry it at all.

So in a nutshell, 'blowing up' or going via the controller are usually the most viable options - sometimes though, one can be lucky enough to find an auto phone at a headwall with the station supervisors number attached.

Thank you for all your reponses. Except for Colin's answer it would appear that most of the responses are that they were taught to go to the front of a train when he/she hears the whistle.

Sometimes I feel as though it is their fault and that they should know what they are doing and other times I feel as if it is the lack of training.

There are a few reponses I'd like to give to some of the posts..........

Lou7675 - In this instance there should have been someone waiting for me already. Using connect radio should not have been necessary as there was someone on the platform. I would only have called the l/c if there was nobody there. Even then it should have been quicker to just blow the whistle.

Mitcham - Were you taught that at Ashfield or was it something you 'picked up' oever time. If it is the later then Colin is correct when he states that they are not taught correctly. Also, regarding the abuse of the horn......some drivers are idots that should know better.

Tomcakes - I'd like to think that the CSA would have realised. Obviously not!!!!

memorex - When did you sit the course? I ask because sometimes they change the structure of the course. When I was first taught it was a 4 week course and we were taught everything.


Thank you all for your responses. I'm glad this didn't become a put down for SA's as most of the time they do a great job and I wouldn't do it for all the tea in China. Don't get me wrong, sometimes they annoy the hell out of me but most of the time they're very good.